39th GOP Convention Wrap-up

Back from St. Paul WTAP interview from 6 September 2008

I would like to thank everyone who made my trip to the Republican National Convention the wonderful experience that it was. A few more pictures, then back to the local campaign.

John McCain accepting our nomination

Doug and Sarah enjoying the event

Newt signing autographs

We will have McCain Palin bumper stickers, buttons and signs available at the Wood County Republican Headquarters located at 8th and Avery during our Grand opening this Saturday, 13 September at 1:00 pm, hope to see you there.

UPDATES on the Way

Day Two From the GOP Convention

As things slowly return to normal for the Gulf Coast, the GOP Convention went back into full swing. We were all enthused and motivated by the group of speakers and the various presentations during day 2 of the GOP National Convention. In addition to the individuals who were on stage and spoke to our convention last evening, there were countless Republican leaders from around the nation. Tonight promises to be another action packed session.

Due to the lack of time and computer access on my part, my entries will be brief and include more pictures than usual.

Rudi Giuliani just completing Hannity and Combs interview

Newt Gingrich having a good time at the convention with some of his many supporters

The "architect", Karl Rove on Hannity and Combs

Mike Huckabee along with his band and friends from the group Alabama hosted a bash after the convention

Local Delegates at the Republican National Convention

Hello from Saint Paul

The Wood County Delegation left Parkersburg on Saturday evening at 8:30 pm and arrived at the Crown Plaza hotel in Bloomington around 12:30 Sunday afternoon August 31st. The atmosphere on the bus trip was electric with the discussion of our next VP, Sarah Palin.

Many of the folks from Wood County and West Virginia are first time attendees, including myself. What I will do the next few days is update the progression of events from the GOP Convention the best I can considering the time I have available and getting to a computer, the hotel has 2. For those who aren't awaire of who locally is attending they are: Greg Smith, Tom Azinger and Barbara Smith, our alternates are Louis Rexroad, Bob Smith and Allen Ross.

The first day of the Convention was cut short as most of you know by now. The highlight of yesterdays events were the apperance of Laura Bush and Cindy McCain together on the stage. Later today as the Convention resumes, we will here speeches from Fred Thompson, Rudy Giuliani and Joe Lieberman.

Excel Convention Center

Your truly from the Convention floor

First Ladies Laura Bush and Cindy McCain

Our Next Attorney General, or Just Another Billy Carter?

George Hussein Onyango Obama 26 years old

Barack Obama's brother George an impoverished recluse
US presidential contender Barack Obama's African half-brother says he is "ashamed" of his family ties because he lives as an impoverished recluse in a Kenyan shantytown.

Obama's half-brother to Vanity Fair: 'No one knows I exist'
While the junior Illinois senator is plotting a course for the White House, his half brother lives in an African shanty, the article says.

Barack Obama's 'lost' brother found in Kenya
Senator Barack Obama's long lost brother has been tracked down for the first time living in a shanty town in Kenya, reports claimed.

Obama's half-brother is tracked down to Nairobi slum
It is a detail of the already exotic life story of Barack Obama that his campaign was not intending to highlight to voters at the Democratic Convention in Denver next week: the circumstances of a little half-brother called George.

Obama's half-brother earns $1.00 per month: Tells Vanity Fair: 'No one knows I exist':


BARACK BROTHER IN SHACK SHOCK
LIVING IN KENYA ON $1 A MONTH AND ASHAMED TO REVEAL WHO HE IS

Headed to the GOP Convention

Just a few updates as to what is going on in Wood County West Virginia Republican politics. On August 14th we hosted 2 "block party's" for John McCain with a total of 40+ attendees, there were 14 statewide. The Homecoming events went off as planned with all our candidates who participate in the parade receiving a warm reception. We registered over 20 people at the GOP booth, the Democrats chose not to have a booth at the Parkersburg Homecoming. As you may have seen Walt Auvil is "blogging" for the Parkersburg News as he participates in the Democrat National Convention in Denver next week. I have been asked to do the same at our Republican National Convention.

Also, the Wood County Republican Executive Committee has secured the location at 8th and Avery Streets for our 2008 GOP Headquarters. Some of you may remember that we used that location in 2000.

Door to Door Campaign for 2008 Underway

Close to 150 households were contacted today in our initial effort for McCain 2008 in Wood County. Also, in our first week of phone calling, we contacted 750 households. Thanks again to all who made our first week such a great success. Volunteers are always needed, so if you have any time, or can help in anyway now is the time to get involved.

Presidential Campaign 2008 in Wood County

Campaign bosses hope Obama, McCain come here

Thanks to all who have already worked and contributed to this ongoing effort. Just to let you know some of what else is happening. We had several phone banks this past week and made 750 contacts for Senator John McCain. Thanks to all who made that a success. Tomorrow morning, August 9th at 10 am, we will be precinct walking in several Vienna and north end of Parkersburg precincts. The phone banks and precinct walks will be an ongoing effort. Thursday August 14th will be our county wide neighborhood party's for McCAIN, if you would like to host or attend one of these events please contact me. Remeber, get out the vote efforts help ALL Republicans.

Wood County Christian School TARS Leader

Conservative Republican Files Petitions For 93rd Ohio House Seat

Chelsi Smith brings fresh perspective, focus on district race

Conservative Republican Chelsi Smith today announced that she filed 111 signatures with the board of elections to become a candidate for the 93rd district, Ohio House of Representatives.

Smith, a high school senior, is making her first run for office, but intends to be taken seriously.

“I’ve been involved in several campaigns,” Smith said, “but what really propelled me to run is the need to solve education issues and create good high-paying jobs in southeast Ohio.”

Smith will face two-term incumbent Jennifer Garrison. When asked whether she finds the challenge daunting, Smith said she believed that the voters deserved a choice.

Smith says her status as a high school senior is a positive she looks forward to sharing with voters.

Smith continued that she will bring a unique perspective to the issue of school funding and also believes strongly that the legislature must do a better job keeping young people in mind as they consider legislation.

“We are the future,” Smith said. “I’ll represent every voter in the district, and I’ll work to ensure that the legislature not only consider short term ramifications, but also the effect on young people and future generations.

Native of southeast Ohio Chelsi Smith was born in Marietta and lives in New Matamoras. Her love of southeast Ohio and her goal to make it her home where she can earn a living and raise a family is an important factor in her decision to enter public service.

Smith has been an active participant in the political process, becoming a member in her school’s Republican club when it first started in 2004. She has served as secretary and two years as President of that organization. In 2006, she received the Ronald Reagan Leadership Award at the Washington County GOP’s Reagan Day Dinner. Chelsi cites as her heroes Ronald Reagan, Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt because of their tenacity in tackling difficult issues – something she intends to do in Columbus.

Chelsi is active in her church and believes that following conservative ideals and working hard on tough issues are the key to success. Chelsi is a firm pro-life republican and also believes that marriage should be reserved only between a man and a woman. Chelsi is also a firm advocate for gun rights, believing strongly that the constitution gives every law-abiding citizen the right to bear arms.Active in the Community.

Through her love of music, Chelsi has sought out ways to be involved in the community. She is the full time pianist at her church, school, and volunteers wherever a piano player is needed. She has done some volunteering where she is employed – The Inn at Marietta, an assisted living facility. She has also volunteered at the American Red Cross. She is President of her senior class and is a member of the honor society.

Chelsi believes that being a high school senior is a positive. Her perspective on issues ranging from education to job creation is unique and valuable. Chelsi sees that students and parents are often left out of the education decision-making process, and that education funding must be more than a campaign “hot-potato” with promises seemingly made to be broken.

Chelsi also sees her candidacy as a chance to be a voice for her generation. Southeast Ohio is bleeding young people because jobs aren’t being created to keep them here. Chelsi knows there are challenges to keeping young people in southeast Ohio, but also believes that the creation of good high-paying jobs, keeping taxes down and maintaining a high quality of life will go a long way in keeping the next generation intact.

The 93rd Ohio House District is comprised of Monroe, Noble, Guernsey and parts of Washington and Muskingum Counties.

A Decade of Corner Casinos

As legendary oil investor T. Boone Pickens tells the story, Republican Bob Dole wanted him to head up his 1996 presidential campaign in Texas. In return, Pickens wanted to be Dole's chief adviser on energy policy.

Dole listened. And Dole advised Pickens on political reality:

Right there, on the floor, that's a sleeping dog. Politicians don't kick sleeping dogs. Bill Clinton doesn't give a damn about energy and I don't either. We're not either one of us gonna kick a sleeping dog and so energy will not be an issue in this campaign.

But in case one of us stumbles over the dog, and if one of us has a problem, you will be the guy who advises me.

"Neither one of them," Pickens said, "had a problem with energy. . . . They didn't want anything to do with it."

*************

The people we elect to the House of Delegates, Senate and our Governor will be the ones who decide the agenda and importance of the "corner casino" license renewal issue. Former Governor Bob Wise convinced the state legislature with the help of former Senator Lloyd Jackson, former Education Committee leader in the House, Jerry Mezzatesta and former WV Department of Education head, Henry Morockie to create a merit based "Promise Scholarship". The primary funding was provided by legalized video gambling, similar to the Georgia and New Mexico's "Hope Scholarships" and their sister program later passed in Tennessee all of which were tied to gambling expansion or legalization in their state.

With a "promise" to a state fed up with gray machines, and a governor unable or unwilling to enforce the existing laws, this seemed like a way out to many legislators, educators, business owners and citizens. Bob's promise to reduce, restrict and regulate became the battle cry for the soon to be governor and his team during his 2000 campaign and the key to forming the necessary coalitions for passage. What has happened since is anything but what we were promised. Our county has countless yellow and purple buildings with big signs saying "must be 21 to enter"and little cafes all claiming to be "West Virginia's original".

As for the promise scholarships themselves, they are very easily denied for small, sometimes simple typo mistakes in paperwork, most families who actually manage to receive them are middle to upper class financially while the machine players or contributors are usually anything but. Then after all that, many if not the majority of the graduates take their degree's out of state for reasons beyond any ones control.

Who is willing to "kick the sleeping dog" in 2008?

Wood County ranks in gambler caller hotline

Posted July 26

PARKERSBURG - Wood County ranked second statewide in callers to a gambling help line started eight years ago.

McCAIN Victory 2008 Material

This was in the mailbox today. Good to see $$$ being raised!


Bumper Sticker

**** The Most Qualified ****

This was worth another look. The media rarely discusses items like this about our administration.

What is the Left Up To

The art satirizes right-wing portrayals of the candidate, magazine says.

If this is where we are in July things could get really ugly between now and the election as the left attempts to define Obama's opponents. That's Us!

2ND ANNUAL RED, WHITE AND BLUE REPUBLICAN PICNIC

2nd ANNUAL RED, WHITE, AND BLUE REPUBLICAN

AND VOTER APPRECIATION PICNIC -

HOSTED BY THE WOOD COUNTY GOP

Open To The Public and We Welcome You and Your Family

HONORING OUR

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES AND ELECTED OFFICIALS - PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE!

Date: Saturday, July 19, 2008 - Time: 12:00 Noon to Dusk

Place: Fort Boreman Historical Park

Featuring Bluegrass Band

HARD DRIVE

Items provided: Hot Dogs, Drinks and Paper Products

Items to bring: Lawn Chairs and

Last Name A-H - bring vegetable covered dish*

Last Name I-P - bring salad/fruit*

Last Name Q-Z - bring dessert*

*bring enough to serve two families of 5

This will be a great opportunity to speak with our Incumbents and our Candidates.

Come, bring the family, have fun and fellowship with the Wood County Republican Party.

RSVP by July 17, 2008, to and/or for questions contact Beverly G. Lockhart, Chair, WCREC, P. O. Box 4737, Parkersburg, WV 26102. Phone: (304) 424-7041, E-mail: clady57@earthlink.net

From Downtown Parkersburg - Exit - Marrtown Road - follow signs - both Shelters

Dear Member & Family,

It is June and time for the WCRW’s Annual Family Picnic! This is an opportunity to eat some great food, meet & hear state and local candidates, help raise funds for our treasury with our auction, and fellowship with one another!

We do need a count in order to provide ample ham/fried chicken, so we are asking you to RSVP with the number of family that will be attending with you by June 25^th

We need help setting up, so arrive around 10:30 a.m. We will have a brief meeting at 11:00 a.m. Don’t forget to make a typed-list of items for your auction item and tie it on the item with a ribbon. This is our 2008 fundraiser, so remember that presentation is important. Our 2008 Handbook will be available at the picnic as well.

Take care, pray for good weather on the 28^th and I look forward to hearing from you

Sincerely,

Deidre’

DETAILS

Saturday, June 28 11:30-1:00 Parkersburg City Park Shelter by Cabin

MENU: Ham/fried chicken provided

Last name A-H – bring vegetable covered dish*

Last name I-P – bring salad/fruit* *bring enough to serve

Last name Q-Z – bring dessert* the # in your family

Associate Members – bring CAN or BOTTLE drinks*

DOOR PRIZES PHOTO OP WITH “ELLA” for the kids MUSIC

424-6139/483-4391/ddlake@wirefire.com

Candidates Cause Negative Party Coverage

Candidates delinquent in filing reports

Council President Mike Reynolds.....Republican *Won*

Councilmen Tom Joyce.....Republican *Won*

Demo Dukas, Democrat....defeated in Primary

Sharon Lynch, Democrat *Won*

Russell Cunningham, Democrat *Won*

Steven Whitehair, Democrat *Won*

Julia Ann Monroe, Democrat....defeated in Primary

John Edward Beary, Democrat....defeated in Primary

Sherry Dugan, Democrat *Won*

I've never understood why these folks let this kind of stuff happen. If you voted for someone on this list or just don't appreciate the negative Party publicity, please let these folks know. After the lowest Republican turnout compared to the Democrats on record (60%-39%) in last months primary, the last thing we need is bad publicity.

John McCain Speaks to WV Republican Leaders

Attorney General Candidate Dan Greear helps get things started

Former Governor Arch Moore and his wife Shelly with Cindy McCain

2nd District Congresswoman Shelly Capito introduces John and Cindy McCain

Republican Candidate Senator John McCain

Delegate Woody Ireland and his wife Karen

Senator Donna J. Boley listens intently

Please Remain Calm, All is Well, I Hope.

The Democrats showed up early and in force at the Wood County Courthouse last evening and they had plenty to cheer about.

BALLOTS CAST - TOTAL. . . . . . . 21,700
BALLOTS CAST - DEMOCRATIC PARTY . . . 12,998............... 59.90%
BALLOTS CAST - REPUBLICAN PARTY . . . 8,428 ..........38.84%
BALLOTS CAST - NONPARTISAN. . . . . 274 ..............1.26%

10th District Republicans

TOM AZINGER. . . . . . . . . . 3,085... 23.84%
JOHN N. ELLEM . . . . . . . . . 2,953... 22.82%
FREDERICK DAVID GILLESPIE . . . . . 2,192... 16.94%

10th District Democrats

BRENDA BRUM. . . . . . . . . .5,283... 32.53%
DAN POLING . . . . . . . . . .4,402 ...27.10%
IRIS McCRADY . . . . . . . . .3,280 ...20.19%
TIMOTHY A FITTRO . . . . . . . .3,277... 20.18%

The numbers speak for themselves. We have less than six months to prepare for the General election and obviously something is broken.

Disrespecting the Dead

Signs are a problem!

I can understand the Democrats going for the dead vote.

But others should know better.

Maybe legal, but not pretty.

Just below the Camden tomb.

Rhino Captured at Local Candidate Forum

Former Wood County Republican Chairman Rocky Peck and Senior Adviser Allen Ross pose with the creature. Apparently the rhino escaped from it's home somewhere in Ohio and was either lured or instinctively drawn to the local Meet the Candidate forum being held that evening. Details of the capture are being withheld due to an ongoing investigation.

The unruly beast was safely loaded onto it's owners vehicle for the return trip home to Ohio where exotic animal laws permit the ownership of this unpredictable species. If you see this animal around town again please notify the appropriate individuals.

Please! Do not try to capture or detain a rhino yourself.